President Trump’s Ban on Transgender Military Service Members

The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ASPA as an organization.

By Andrew Vaz
August 18, 2017

Last month, I complied an article entitled Chelsea Manning and the Transgender Identity in the Military. I would be remised if I didn’t address the developments that succeeded afterwards on the President’s Twitter page. Trump announced last month that transgender service members would not be permitted to serve in the military and protect the country they love. These are his words: “our military must be focused on decisive and overwhelming … victory and cannot be burdened with the tremendous medical costs and disruption that transgender in the military would entail.” Although public policy cannot be implemented in 140 words or less, I was disappointed in the President’s decision. As well, I fiercely debated with average citizens who agreed with the President’s viewpoint — commonly expressing concern over the ability to provide medical treatment for trans service members… which is an overall fraction of the total cost of military budget expenditure. Is it truly an administrative issue or is it (as I believe) a smokescreen for what is really at issue: discrimination?

I always ponder how citizens who have never served in the military are quick make judgement on how it should operate effectively: 68 percent of U.S. voters say trans people should be allowed to serve in the military — only 27 percent disagree. How is it that we can truly say with affirmation a human being cannot serve and make that sacrifice without looking at themselves —enjoying the perks of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness that many have died fighting for. I ask these individuals: when does our pursuit to find our happiness end?

Many transgender activists and former military service members have expressed their outrage over the administration’s stance. Last year, many transgender service members came forward after being assured by the Obama administration that they could serve openly in the military. Pentagon officials have said privately they do not see how to expel current service members, or bar future ones from joining the military, without opening the Defense Department up to lawsuits.

Now, I could express the clear irresponsibility this administration is demonstrating towards the public. I believe though there is a lack of understanding and education towards the transgender community that must be addressed. Let’s call it woeful ignorance — it is not simply a misunderstanding, it is a deliberate expression of ignorance. That’s why as a society we need to address this problem now. It starts with discrimination against gender, then it will include race, nationality and religion (just to say a few).

Ever since the announcement, there has been an explosion of transphobic comments being made in the media. This didn’t just start; this discrimination was initiated from an administration that emboldened hatred. Let’s be very clear: there is no expense to big or any issues regarding military readiness concerning transgender Americans in serving in the United States Armed Forces. There are no problems associated with allowing trans people to fight for their country that they reside in and love.

Also, let’s leave politics out of the conversation. Regardless of anyone political belief and leanings, our service members require our support. I feel this will turn into a bigger problem in terms of how our government looks out for its defenders. When we think of that small fraction of Americans who have been willing to raise their right hands and swear an oath to support and defend the Constitution—who have offered to put their lives on the line, and proven they have the ability and character to serve—how do we deny them? Where is it within us to say to someone they do not have the right to protect my country from danger when we can’t even do the same?

It is time for military leaders to call on the President to reverse course and allow transgender citizens to serve with pride in our armed forces. As I stated earlier, policy is not implemented from Twitter (or social media). Our Congress and our leaders in Washington must take a stand and protect all our service members from discrimination — our democracy depends on our action. If our soldiers are fighting to protect our ability to live in a democratic society, but our policymakers are not upholding the freedoms these soldiers are dying for… then what is the point? It is time for Americans to remind themselves of the brilliance of our nation and its creed: life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Author: Andrew R Vaz, M.Sc., M.P.A. is a doctoral student in the public policy and administration program at Walden University. He is a graduate of the Master of Science in Criminal Justice and Master of Public Administration double master’s program at Florida International University. He can be reached at [email protected].

(7 votes, average: 4.86 out of 5)

Loading...

About

The American Society for Public Administration is the largest and most prominent professional association for public administration. It is dedicated to advancing the art, science, teaching and practice of public and non-profit administration.

Follow Us!

4 Responses to President Trump’s Ban on Transgender Military Service Members

As a veteran and former commander here are my concerns. It is one thing for those that have already gone through reassignment, surgery, etc. and have no diagnosed mental health issues. Unfortunately, that is not the case with many transgendered people. They suffer depression at much higher rates (granted, it may have to do with society’s attitude). Nonetheless, the military does not need to enlist emotionally fragile people – we did that during the last few years and we are paying the price. It is about readiness. Similarly, those going through transition are nondeployable for 2 years. That’s also a readiness issue. The medical issue are more complicated and expensive. The medical system in the military is already over stressed. Lastly – transgendered training for the Army put the onus on young women service members to use their chain of command if they were uncomfortable with males, undergoing transition but with intact male genitalia, in the women’s group showers (the Army does not have privacy). No young soldier should be put in that position. They are afraid to complain about anything. Appalling. And don’t say it is their problem. What if they are devoutly religious and have cultural beliefs about modesty? (Muslims, Christians…). Whose “rights” trump the others? There are other ways to serve and not be active duty military. They can serve as civilian employees. The bottom line is that the purpose of the military is to be a ready force. We need to look at this through a lens of science and evidence and not through narrow political beliefs.

I must protest, transgender people are not emotionally fragile people. They already serve in our armed forces and have participated in many combat missions worldwide. I disagree with the notion that this is a readiness issue; banning members based on discrimination is actually more damaging to readiness.

Also, trans service members are performing crucial functions throughout the military and their teammates and superior officers value them. What will it cost to replace that human capital? The argument that this is about money is not credible.

We must stop discriminating against those who are willing to make that sacrifice that many citizens are not willing to endure.

Thanks for your sharing your views. However, you are wrong on so many levels. The military has always had limitations on who could enlist. For example, age is one. Does that mean the nation has hatred for older people? Mental disorders is another. Does that mean the nation has hatred for people with mental health problems? You say it should not be political, but your remarks about our President suggest that this is indeed political for you. Think about it.

However, you’re incorrect. The limitations who have described are not the same as discrimination towards gender reassignment – these limitations you mentioned have not led to inquisitions, abuses and the potential for blackmail.

The transgender ban creates a backlog that will quickly grow past 2,450 service members.

If transgender citizens want to serve in the military, they would have to lie about who they are….and I don’t know about you, but that doesn’t sound patriotic to me!

Also, it is political to me…because the President made it so! His ban was a political move to appease his base of supporters ( and deflect attention on the investigation into his son with Russia).

Let’s be clear: if there are those who are willing to serve our country and make the ultimate sacrifice, then why ban them? Think about it!